A surprisingly brilliant and friendly event What a lovely event this turned out to be! It doesn’t have much of an online presence, which initially made me question whether it was even a real race, but I can confirm it absolutely is, and it’s incredibly well organised and welcoming. I booked a few weeks in advance but didn’t receive an email confirmation or a bib in the post (you collect it on the day), which added to my early suspicions. However, everything ran smoothly when I arrived. Parking was easy with plenty of space, number collection was quick, and the baggage drop was efficient and handled by very friendly staff. Getting into the start pen was straightforward, and the race set off without any issues. This is definitely not a PB course. It’s far from flat, there aren’t any huge climbs, but the hills are constant, and there are very few truly flat miles. I hadn’t specifically trained for hills, and although I managed to maintain my target pace, my quads and hips are certainly feeling it today! The medal was great, and I was able to get in and out with zero hassle. Huge thanks to everyone involved, I’d definitely recommend this as a training marathon, especially if you’re looking to build strength and resilience.

Have just finished the half marathon and it is incredibly hilly. On the website it says a 64m elevation gain but I measured it at 179m. Literally every corner there was another hill. I’ve traveled an hour because I thought it was a 64m elevation gain course and it was everything but. If you are after a fast time it is one to miss but if you are local and want a fun run it is ok.

I entered the Worcester Marathon which was an easy process. On arival at Sixways Stadium, there was ample parking which was great and the build up was very good.

We were shown to the start and I thoroughly "enjoyed" the experience though I found the hills tough on lap 2.

Marshalls and volunteers were great but the crowds were very sparse. I probably saw no more than 200 people during the marathon itself. Running on lap 2 was quite hard on the mind as you were often running alone.

Feed stations were good and the countryside was beautiful, very rural.

The fInish line saw good support with a nice t-shirt and quality medal.

For organisation and scenery, I would recommend the Worcester Marathon.

 

A half marathon 2 days after my stag do in Vegas....

The Start:

We arrived in good time and car parking was easy. Plenty of toilets in the rugby stadium and a good size canteen that sold teas and snacks etc.

The Race:

The race started quite a bit later than its advertised time, apparently someone had messed about with the race signs during the night (idiots) but when it got going I enjoyed it. A busy congested start up a hill but it soon opened out. Not all the roads aren’t closed here so it could get a bit hairy and some drivers did get impatient so it wasn’t the safest race. I enjoyed the end in the rugby stadium and it was good to have the car parked so close. The finishers pack was decent, I really liked the t shirt and medal.

My Summary:

I thoroughly enjoyed this half, the weather was perfect which helped. Plenty of countryside and nice villages with friendly local support. I would definitely do it again. I ran with my mate Baz and I came in at 2:02, injury free and happy.